Backlight assembly and cover for a compact display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A back cover for a backlight assembly capable of achieving a more compact a display apparatus includes a cover element, a line portion, and a plurality of point light sources. The cover element includes a metallic layer, and the cross-section of the cover element has an L-shape. The line portion is formed over the cover element. The point light sources are mounted on the surface of the cover element to receive a driving voltage from the line portion. A bottom cover portion of the cover element covers an opening portion. A side cover portion of the cover element faces the side wall. The point light sources mounted on the cover element emit light on a side surface of a light guide plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean PatentApplication No. 2006-92667, filed on Sep. 25, 2006 in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office (KIPO), the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display apparatus having a back coverand a backlight assembly that permits a reduction in the overall size ofthe display apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus includes a backlightassembly that provides light to a display panel so that a displayedimage is viewable in a low-light area. Mobile communications devices anddigital cameras, for example, mostly include a light-emitting diode(LED) as the light source of the backlight assembly.

LCD apparatus for use in laptops and monitors mostly include a coldcathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) as the light source of the backlightassembly. However, recently, LEDs have been more frequently used as thelight source of the backlight assembly so that the backlight assemblyhas become lighter and thinner.

The LED is directly disposed under a display area of a display panelwhen the backlight assembly is a direct-illumination type, but the LEDis disposed at an edge of a light guide plate that is directly disposedunder the display panel when the backlight assembly is anedge-illumination type. In the edge-illumination type of backlightassembly, a plurality of LEDs is arranged on a flexible printed circuitboard (FPCB) which has a flexible resin film and on which lines areprinted.

The LEDs are divided into several groups and are controlled foruniformity of brightness. In order to control the LEDs, a plurality ofinput lines and a plurality of feedback lines are formed on the FPCB.Thus, the width of the FPCB is increased as the number of LEDsincreases.

The white LED such as used in a laptop, has better luminance than a redLED, a green LED, and a blue LED, but has worse light reproducibilitythan the red, green, and blue LEDs. When the red, green, and blue LEDsare used to increase light reproducibility, the input line and theground line are respectively connected to each of the red, green, andblue LEDs. Thus, the width of the FPCB is further increased.

In addition, when LEDs having high brightness are packaged in a row tobe used for the light source, the heat generated from the LED is storedin the FPCB decreasing its life expectancy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the back cover ofan LCD display apparatus includes a cover element, a line portion, and aplurality of point light sources. The cover element includes a metalliclayer, and a cross-section of the cover element is an L-shape. The lineportion is formed over the cover element. The line portion includes aninsulating layer and an input line. The insulating layer is formed onthe metallic layer. The input line is insulated from the metallic layerby the insulating layer to apply the driving voltage to each point lightsource. The plurality of point light sources is mounted on the surfaceof the cover element, to receive a driving voltage from the lineportion.

The line portion further includes a ground line. The ground line isinsulated by the insulating layer and is electrically connected to eachpoint light source, to output a feedback signal.

In an exemplary backlight assembly according to the present invention,the backlight assembly includes a receiving container, a light guideplate, and a back cover. The receiving container includes a bottom plateand a side wall extended from an edge of the bottom plate. The bottomplate has an opening portion formed adjacent to the side wall. The lightguide plate is disposed on the bottom plate. The back cover includes acover element having a bottom cover portion and a side cover portion, aplurality of point light sources mounted on the cover element to face aside surface of the light guide plate, and a line portion formed overthe cover element to apply a driving voltage to the point light sources.The bottom cover portion covers the opening portion to partially supportthe light guide plate, and the side cover portion is curved from an edgeof the bottom cover portion to face the side wall.

The point light sources are mounted on the bottom cover portion. Theside cover portion may face an outside of the side wall. A groove intowhich the point light sources are inserted, may be formed in an insidelower portion of the side wall. The point light sources may be mountedon the side cover portion. The side cover portion may face an inside ofthe side wall. The side cover portion may face an outside of the sidewall, and a hole into which the point light sources are inserted may beformed in the side wall.

The bottom cover portion and the side cover portion may include ametallic layer. The line portion may include an insulating layer formedon the metallic layer, an input line insulated from the metallic layerby the insulating layer, to apply the driving voltage to each pointlight source, and a ground line insulated from the metallic layer by theinsulating layer and electrically connected to the point light source,to output a feedback signal. The input and ground lines may be partiallyformed on the bottom cover portion, and the input and ground lines maybe partially formed on the side cover portion.

Each point light source may include a red light-emitting chip emittingred light, a green light-emitting chip emitting green light, and a bluelight-emitting chip emitting blue light. The red, green and bluelight-emitting chips may be electrically connected to the input andground lines, respectively. The red, green, and blue light-emittingchips may be packaged to be one point light source, and the point lightsources may be divided into a plurality of groups to be controlled.

The backlight assembly may further include a reflective sheet disposedbetween the light guide plate and the bottom cover portion.

In an exemplary display apparatus according to the present invention,the display apparatus includes a receiving container, a back cover, alight guide plate, an optical sheet, and a display panel. The receivingcontainer includes a bottom plate and a side wall extended from an edgeof the bottom plate. The bottom plate has an opening portion formedadjacent to the side wall. The back cover includes a cover elementhaving a bottom cover portion and a side cover portion, a plurality ofpoint light sources mounted on the cover element, and a line portionformed over the cover element to apply a driving voltage to the pointlight sources. The bottom cover portion covers the opening portion, andthe side cover portion is protruded from the bottom cover portion toface the side wall. The light guide plate is disposed on the bottomcover portion and the bottom plate, for a side surface of the lightguide plate to face the point light sources. The optical sheet isdisposed on the light guide plate. The display panel is disposed on theoptical sheet.

The bottom cover portion and the side cover portion include a metalliclayer for dissipating the heat that is generated from the point lightsources to the outside of the display apparatus, and an insulating layerformed on the metallic layer. The line portion is insulated frommetallic layer by the insulating layer. The line portion includes aninput line for applying the driving voltage to each point light source,and a ground line electrically connected to each point light source, tooutput a feedback signal. The display apparatus may further include apanel driving part applying a panel driving signal to the display panel,and electrically connected to the line portion to control the drivingvoltage based on the feedback signal.

According to the present invention, a metal core printed circuit board(PCB) on which the point light sources are mounted, is used for the backcover, so that elements of the backlight assembly and the displayapparatus and the size thereof may be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become more apparent by describing in detailed example embodimentsthereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a back cover for a displayapparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ of the backcover for the display apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a backlight assembly accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the backlightassembly in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ of thebacklight assembly of the FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of thebacklight assembly in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a backlight assemblyaccording to another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a backlight assemblyaccording to still another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a display apparatus accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the displayapparatus in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III′ of thedisplay apparatus in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of the displayapparatus in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions maybe exaggerated for clarity. It will be understood that when an elementor layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to”another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled tothe other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element orlayer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference tocross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. Assuch, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed aslimited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but areto include deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as arectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or agradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binarychange from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried regionformed by implantation may result in some implantation in the regionbetween the buried region and the surface through which the implantationtakes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematicin nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actualshape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

Back Cover for Display Apparatus

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a back cover 50 for a displayapparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention.Referring to FIG. 1, the back cover 50 includes a cover element 51, aline portion 54, and a plurality of point light sources 60.

The cover element 51 includes a bottom cover portion 52 and a side coverportion 53. The bottom cover portion 52 has a plate shape. The sidecover portion 53 is extended from an edge of the bottom cover portion52, so that the cover element 51 has a substantially L-shape. The coverelement 51 includes a metallic material. Alternatively, the coverelement 51 may include a metallic layer having the L-shapedcross-section.

The point light sources 60 are arranged on the bottom cover portion 52along a longitudinal direction of the bottom cover portion 52.Alternatively, the point light sources 60 may be mounted on the sidecover portion 53.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ of the backcover for the display apparatus in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the line portion 54 is formed on a surfaceof the cover portion 51. When a surface of the bottom cover portion 52toward a curved direction of the side cover portion 53 is defined as anupper surface of the bottom cover portion 52, the line portion 54 isformed on the upper surface of the bottom cover portion 52 and the uppersurface of the side cover portion 53 connected to the upper surface ofthe bottom cover portion 52. The line portion 54 includes an insulatinglayer 55, an input line 56, and a ground line 57.

The insulating layer 55 is formed on the upper surface of the bottomcover portion 52 and the upper surface of the side cover portion 53,with a predetermined thickness. The input line 56 and the ground line 57are patterned on the upper surface of the bottom cover portion 52 andthe upper surface of the side cover portion 53, and are insulated by theinsulating layer 55. The patterned shape of the input line 56 and theground line 57 may be changed according to an arrangement of the pointlight sources 60 and a driving method for the point light sources 60.The insulating layer 55 may be formed on the input line 56 and theground line 57. Thus, the insulating layer 55 may be formed both on andbeneath the input line 56 and the ground line 57.

The input line 56 and the ground line 57 faces each other with respectto the point light source 60. The input line 56 is formed on theinsulating layer 55 that is formed on the bottom cover portion 52. Theinput line 56 is electrically connected to each point light source 60one by one, to apply a driving voltage to the point light source 60. Theground line 57 is formed on the insulating layer 55 that is formed onthe bottom cover portion 52, or alternatively, the ground line 57 isextended from the bottom cover portion 52 to the side cover portion 53.The ground line 57 is drawn out from each point light source 60 one byone, and outputs a feedback signal, for example a current, from thepoint light source 60.

The point light source 60 may be a white light-emitting diode (LED) or apackaged LED including a red light-emitting chip, a green light-emittingchip, and a blue light-emitting chip. In the packaged LED, the inputline 56 and the ground line 57 are electrically connected to each red,green, and blue light-emitting chip. Thus, three input lines 56 andthree ground lines 57 are connected to one point light source 60.

Referring to FIG. 2, the point light source 60 may include a housing 61,a light-emitting chip 62, a first connecting terminal 63, a secondconnecting terminal 64, a fluorescent light layer 65, and a lens 66.

The light-emitting chip 62 is inserted into a groove that is formed onthe housing 61. The first connecting terminal 63 electrically connectsthe input line 56 with the light-emitting chip 62. The second connectingterminal 64 electrically connects the ground line 57 and thelight-emitting chip 62. The fluorescent light layer 65 covers thelight-emitting chip 62. The light-emitting chip 62 may emit blue light.The fluorescent light layer 65 may include a yellow fluorescent materialthat receives the blue light and emits the white light. The lens 66diffuses the white light.

When the point light source 60 includes the red, green, and bluelight-emitting chips, each red, green, and blue light-emitting chipemits each red, green, and blue light.

The back cover 50 for the display apparatus may further include a padportion 59 and a power cable 58.

The pad portion 59, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is formed at a second edgeof the bottom cover portion 52 opposite to the first edge. A pluralityof input lines 56 and a plurality of ground lines 57 are electrically tothe pad portion 59. Thus, the pad portion 59 may be disposed accordingto the patterns of the input lines 56 and the ground lines 57.

The power cable 58 is connected to the pad portion 59, and may beelectrically connected to an external power supply apparatus.

The cover element 51 and the line portion 54 forms a printed circuitboard (PCB), and the point light sources 60 are mounted on the PCB.Thus, the back cover 50 for the display apparatus may be used for abacklight source of the display apparatus.

Backlight Assembly

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a backlight assembly accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is anexploded perspective view illustrating the backlight assembly in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the backlight assembly 200 according to thepresent example embodiment includes a receiving container 210, a lightguide plate 230, and a back cover 250.

The receiving container 210 includes a bottom plate 205, a first sidewall 211, a second side wall 213, a third side wall 215 and a fourthside wall 217.

A first opening portion 206 and a second opening portion 207 are formedin the bottom plate 205. The first opening portion 206 is formed aroundthe fourth side wall 217 and extends along a first direction. The secondopening portion 207 is formed between the first opening portion 206 andthe third side wall 215.

The first side wall 211 faces the second side wall 213, and the thirdside wall 215 faces the fourth side wall 217. Stepped portions 218 and219 are formed at insides of the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls 211, 213, 215 and 217. The width of the stepped portion 219 formedat the fourth side wall 217 is larger than that of the stepped portions218 formed at the first, second and third side walls 211, 213 and 215. Agroove connected to the first opening portion 206 is formed in an insidelower portion of the fourth side wall 217.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ of thebacklight assembly of the FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, the backlight assembly 200 may further include areflective sheet 240. The reflective sheet 240 and the light guide plate230 are sequentially disposed on the bottom plate 205. The reflectivesheet 240 covers the second opening portion 207 formed in the bottomplate 205, and is partially exposed through the first opening portion206.

An edge of the light guide plate 230 is inserted into the groove formedin the fourth side wall 217. The light guide plate 230 may includematerials having good light transmissivity, heat resistance, chemicalresistance, mechanical strength and so on. The light guide plate 230guides the light incident through a side surface of the light guideplate 230, to emit the light having plan light to an upper portion ofthe light guide plate 230.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of thebacklight assembly in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the back cover 250 according to the presentexample embodiment is substantially the same as the back cover 50 forthe display apparatus explained in FIGS. 1 and 2, except a line portionand a point light source 260. Thus, any further repetitive explanationconcerning the above elements will be omitted.

The back cover 250 includes a cover element 251, a line portion, and aplurality of point light sources 260.

The cover element 251 includes a bottom cover portion 252 and a sidecover portion 253. The bottom cover portion 252 covers the first openingportion 206 formed in the bottom plate 205. The side cover portion 253is curved from the bottom cover portion 252 to face an outside of thefourth side wall 217. Thus, the cover element 251 has a substantiallyL-shape.

The back cover 250 may be combined with the receiving container 210 viaa screw combination or an adhesive element. Alternatively, a combinationgroove or a combination hook may be formed at the fourth side wall 217,and the combination hook or the combination groove may be formed at theside cover portion 253, so that the back cover 250 and the receivingcontainer 210 may be combined with each other.

The point light sources 260 are arranged on the bottom cover portion 252in a linear shape. Each point light source 260 includes a redlight-emitting chip, a green light-emitting chip, and a bluelight-emitting chip. The point light sources 260 are inserted into thegroove formed in the fourth side wall 217 through the first openingportion 206. The point light sources 260 face a side surface of thelight guide plate 230. Red light, green light and blue light exitingfrom the point light sources 260, are incident into the light guideplate 230 and are mixed in the light guide plate 230, to be a whitelight. Thus, the light guide plate 230 emits the white light.

The line portion includes an insulating layer, an input line, and aground line.

An insulating layer is formed on the bottom cover portion 252 and theside cover portion 253 to insulate the input line and the ground line.The insulating layer insulates the cover element 251 and the point lightsource 260. The input line and the ground line are electricallyconnected to each red, green, and blue light-emitting chip. Thus, threeinput lines are connected to each of the point light sources 260, andthree ground lines are drawn out from each of the point light sources260. The input lines are formed on the bottom cover portion 252. Theground lines are formed on the bottom cover portion to be extended tothe side cover portion 253. The input lines and the ground lines areelectrically connected to a pad portion that is formed at an edge of thebottom cover portion 252. A power cable 258 is electrically connected tothe pad portion. The power cable 258 is arranged along an inclinedsurface of the bottom plate 205.

The back cover 250 emits the light to the light guide plate 230, andcovers opening portions formed in the bottom plate 205 of the receivingcontainer 210. Thus, the number of elements for the backlight assembly200 and the display apparatus having the back cover 250 may be reduced.

In addition, the cover element may have the substantially L-shape, andthe line portion may be formed on the bottom cover portion 252 and theside cover portion 253. Thus, an area on which the line portion may beformed is extended, so that the number and the kinds of the LEDs formedon the back cover may be increased, although size of the backlightassembly is not increased.

In addition, the cover element 251 exposed to the exterior may include ametallic material or may include a metallic layer. Thus, much of heatgenerated from the point light sources 260 may be more efficientlydissipated to the exterior through the cover member.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a backlight assemblyaccording to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the backlight assembly 300 according to the presentexample embodiment includes a receiving container 310, a light guideplate 330, a reflective sheet 340, and a back cover 350. The backlightassembly 300 according to the present example embodiment issubstantially the same as the backlight assembly 200 explained in FIGS.3 to 6, except the back cover 350. Thus, any further repetitiveexplanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

The back cover 350 includes a cover element 351, a line portion, and aplurality of point light sources 360.

The cover element 351 has substantially the same shape as the coverelement 251 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6. The cover element 351 includesa bottom cover portion 352 and a side cover portion 353. The bottomcover portion 352 covers a first opening portion formed in a bottomplate 305 of the receiving container 310. The side cover portion 353 isprotruded from an edge of the bottom cover portion 352, to face aninside of a fourth side wall 317 of the receiving container 310.

The line portion includes an insulating layer, an input line, and aground line. The line portion is substantially the same as the lineportion explained in FIG. 6, except patterns of the input line and theground line.

The point light sources 360 are substantially the same as the pointlight sources 260 explained in FIG. 6, except that the point lightsources 360 are mounted on the side cover portion 353. The point lightsources 360 are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the sidecover portion 353 in a line. The point light sources 360 face a sidesurface of the light guide plate 330.

When the point light sources 360 are mounted on the side cover portion353, size of the area from the point light sources 360 to an upperportion of the side cover portion 353 may be small so that the inputline and the ground line may be not formed on the area. However, in FIG.7, all of the input line and the ground line may be extended from thepoint light sources 360 to the bottom cover portion 352, therebyincreasing the area on which the input line and the ground line aremounted. Alternatively, a first portion of the input line and the groundline may be formed from the point light sources 360 to the upper portionof the side cover portion 353, and a second portion of the input lineand the ground line may be formed from the point light sources 360 tothe bottom cover portion 352.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a backlight assemblyaccording to still another example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the backlight assembly 400 according to the presentexample embodiment includes a receiving container 410, a light guideplate 430, a reflective sheet 440, and a back cover 450. The backlightassembly 400 is substantially the same as the backlight assembly 200illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, except the receiving container 410 and theback cover 450. Thus, any further repetitive explanation concerning theabove elements will be omitted.

The receiving container 410 is substantially the same as the receivingcontainer 210 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, except that a hole 416 isformed in a fourth side wall 417 of the receiving container 410. Thus,any further repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will beomitted.

The back cover 450 includes a cover element 451, a line portion, and aplurality of point light sources 460.

The cover element 451 has substantially the same shape as the coverelement 251 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6. Thus, any further repetitiveexplanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. The coverelement 451 includes a bottom cover portion 452 and a side cover portion453. The bottom cover portion 452 includes a first opening portionformed in a bottom plate 405 of the receiving container 410. The sidecover portion 453 is protruded from an edge of the bottom cover portion452, to face an outside of a fourth side wall 417 of the receivingcontainer 410.

The line portion includes an insulating layer, an input line, and aground line. The line portion is substantially the same as the lineportion explained in FIG. 7, and thus, any further repetitiveexplanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

The point light sources 460 is substantially the same as the point lightsources 260 explained in FIG. 6, except that the side cover portion 453is mounted on the point light sources 460. Thus, any further repetitiveexplanation concerning the above elements will be omitted. The pointlight sources 460 are arranged along a longitudinal direction of theside cover portion 453 in a line. The point light sources 460 areinserted into a hole 416 formed in the fourth side wall 417, to bedisposed to face a side surface of the light guide plate 430.

Display Apparatus

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a display apparatus accordingto an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is anexploded perspective view illustrating the display apparatus in FIG. 9.FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III′ of thedisplay apparatus in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the display apparatus 600 according tothe present example embodiment includes a receiving container 610, aback cover 650, a reflective sheet 640, a light guide plate 630, anoptical sheet 670, and a display panel 680. The receiving container 610,the back cover 650, the reflective sheet 640, and the light guide plate630 are substantially the same as the receiving container 210, the backcover 250, the reflective sheet 240 and the light guide plate 230illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, and thus, any further repetitiveexplanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

The optical sheet 670 is formed on the light guide plate 630. Theoptical sheet 670 enhances optical characteristics of light exiting fromthe light guide plate 630, to emit the light to an upper portion. Theoptical sheet 670 includes a diffusion sheet 671 and condensing sheets673 and 675 that are sequentially formed.

The diffusion sheet 671 enhances brightness uniformity of the lightexiting from the light guide plate 630. Condensing directions ofcondensing sheet 673 and 675 are substantially perpendicular to eachother. The condensing sheets 673 and 675 enhance the brightness of thelight exiting from the diffusion sheet 671 when viewed on a plane.

The display panel 680 is disposed on stepped portions 618 and 619 formedat a first side wall 611, a second side wall 613, a third side wall 615and a fourth side wall 617. The display panel 680 receives the lightexiting from the optical sheet 670 and converts the light into imagelight having a display image. The display panel 680 includes a firstsubstrate 681, a second substrate 683, and a liquid crystal layer (notshown).

The first substrate 681 may include a plurality of pixel portionsarranged in a matrix shape, and switching elements applying a datavoltage to the pixel portions. The second substrate 683 is separatedfrom the first substrate 681 by a predetermined distance, and faces thefirst substrate 681. The second substrate 683 has a smaller area thanthe first substrate 681. Thus, an edge of the first substrate 681 isexposed. The second substrate 683 may include a color filter portioncorresponding to the pixel portions, and a common electrode.

A liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and secondsubstrates 681 and 683. An electric field is generated between the pixelportion and the common electrode, so that a longitudinal arrangementdirection of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer ischanged. Thus, the light transmittance of the light passing through theliquid crystal layer is changed, so that the display panel 680 displaysan image having a predetermined gray scale.

The display panel 680 may further include a panel driving part 685 and aprinted circuit film 687. The printed circuit film 687 is adhered to anedge of the panel driving part 685 and the edge of the first substrate681, to electrically connect the panel driving part 685 with the firstsubstrate 681. The panel driving part 685 outputs a gate control signaland a data voltage that control switching elements.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of the displayapparatus in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the panel driving part 685 may furtherinclude a connecting cable 689. The panel driving part 685 outputs apower control signal controlling a driving voltage of the point lightsource 660, according to a feedback signal transferred from a groundline that is a power cable 658 and the connecting cable 689.

The panel driving part 685 is disposed along a first edge of the displaypanel 680. The back cover 650 is disposed along a fourth side wall 617of the receiving container 610 corresponding to a second edge of thedisplay panel 680 opposite to the first edge. As illustrated in FIG. 11,the printed circuit film 687 is curved, so that the panel driving part685 is disposed on a rear surface of the bottom plate 605. Theconnecting cable 689 and the power cable 658 may be connected with eachother on the rear surface of the bottom plate 605.

The display apparatus 600 may further include a bottom cover that coversthe panel driving part 685, the back cover 650, the connecting cable689, and the power cable 658.

The display apparatus 600 may further include a top cover 690. The topcover 690 includes a bezel portion 691 and a side wall 693. The bezelportion 691 covers a non-display area of the display panel 680. The sidewall 693 covers the first side wall 611, the second side wall 613, thethird side wall 615 of the receiving container 610, and a side coverportion 653 of the back cover 650.

According to the present invention, a back cover is used for a lightsource and a cover. Thus, the number of elements of a backlight assemblyand a display apparatus having the back cover may be reduced.

In addition, the cover element has a substantially L-shape, so that thearea on which the line portion is formed may be extended, although thearea of the backlight assembly may not be increased.

Furthermore, the cover element is exposed to the exterior, and includesa metallic layer that may have a short dissipating or cooling time.Thus, the heat generated from point light sources may be moreefficiently dissipated to the exterior.

Having described the example embodiments of the present invention andits advantage, it is noted that various changes, substitutions, andalterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by appended claims.

1. A back cover for a display apparatus, the back cover comprising: acover element including a metallic layer, a cross-section of the coverelement including an L-shaped portion; a line portion formed over thecover element, and including an insulating layer formed on the metalliclayer and an input line insulated from the metallic layer by theinsulating layer; and a plurality of point light sources mounted on thesurface of the cover element, the point light sources connected to theinput line.
 2. The back cover of claim 1, wherein the line portionfurther comprises a ground line insulated from the metallic layer by theinsulating layer and electrically connected to each point light source,to output a feedback signal.
 3. A backlight assembly comprising: areceiving container including a bottom plate and a side wall extendedfrom an edge of the bottom plate; a light guide plate disposed over thebottom plate; and a back cover being coupled to the receiving containerand partially supporting the light guide plate, the back cover includinga cover element including a first portion and a second portion, aplurality of point light sources mounted on the cover element to face aside surface of the light guide plate, and a line portion formed overthe cover element to apply a driving voltage to the point light sourceswherein the second portion extends from the first portion.
 4. Thebacklight assembly of claim 3, wherein the second portion faces the sidewall.
 5. The backlight assembly of claim 4, wherein a groove into whichthe point light sources are inserted is formed in an inside lowerportion of the side wall.
 6. The backlight assembly of claim 3, whereinthe point light sources are disposed on the second portion.
 7. Thebacklight assembly of claim 6, wherein the second portion faces aninside of the side wall.
 8. The backlight assembly of claim 6, whereinthe second portion faces an outside of the side wall, and a hole intowhich the point light sources are inserted is formed in the side wall.9. The backlight assembly of claim 3, wherein the first portion and thesecond portion comprise a metallic layer.
 10. The backlight assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the line portion comprises: an insulating layer formedon the metallic layer; an input line insulated from the metallic layerby the insulating layer, to apply the driving voltage to each pointlight source; and a ground line insulated from the metallic layer by theinsulating layer and electrically connected to the point light source,to output a feedback signal.
 11. The backlight assembly of claim 3,further comprising a reflective sheet disposed between the light guideplate and the first portion.
 12. The backlight assembly of claim 3,where the bottom plate comprises an opening portion, and wherein thefirst portion covers the opening portion.
 13. A display apparatuscomprising: a receiving container including a bottom plate and a sidewall extended from an edge of the bottom plate; a back cover including acover element including a first portion and a second portion, aplurality of point light sources mounted on the cover element, and aline portion formed over the cover element to apply a driving voltage tothe point light sources, the second portion protruding from the firstportion; a light guide plate disposed over the first portion and thebottom plate; an optical sheet disposed over the light guide plate; anda display panel disposed over the optical sheet.
 14. The displayapparatus of claim 13, wherein the first portion and the second portioncomprise: a metallic layer dissipating a heat that is generated from thepoint light sources to an outside of the display apparatus; and aninsulating layer formed on the metallic layer.
 15. The display apparatusof claim 14, wherein the line portion is insulated from metallic layerby the insulating layer, and the line portion comprises: an input lineapplying the driving voltage to each point light source; and a groundline electrically connected to each point light source, to output afeedback signal.
 16. The display apparatus of claim 15, furthercomprising a panel driving part applying a panel driving signal to thedisplay panel, and electrically connected to the line portion to controlthe driving voltage.
 17. The display apparatus of claim 13, wherein thebottom plate comprises an opening portion, and wherein the first portioncovers the opening portion.
 18. A backlight assembly comprising: areceiving container including a bottom plate and a side wall extendedfrom an edge of the bottom plate, the bottom plate having an openingportion formed adjacent to the side wall; a light guide plate disposedon the bottom plate; and a back cover including a cover elementincluding a first portion and a plurality of point light sources mountedon the cover element to face a side surface of the light guide plate,wherein the first portion covers the opening portion to partiallysupport the light guide plate.
 19. The backlight assembly of claim 18,wherein the cover element further comprises a second portion, andwherein the second portion extends from the first portion to face theside wall.
 20. The backlight assembly of claim 18, wherein the backcover further comprises a line portion formed over the cover element toapply a driving voltage to the point light sources.